Coffee plays a vital role in the livelihood of many families in Guatemala.

Although their crops are being destroyed by the coffee rust fungus, families remain hopeful and encouraged during difficult times.

Marco, a grandfather to three sponsored children, is a coffee farmer in Guatemala who bears the growing burden of providing for his family while the coffee rust fungus consumes his most vital resource — his crop.

Coffee rust fungus is epidemic in Guatemala and many areas of Central America.

“This is the only income for me and my family,” he said. “I do not have any other income; coffee is everything for me.”

Marco is not alone in this struggle. Florentino, father of two CFCA sponsored children, is also losing his crops to the fungus.

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